DNA, Genes, and Cells

Manual: General · Subject: Biology

Understand the building blocks needed before learning how cloning works.

From cells to DNA

Cell basics

Living things are made of cells. Many cells contain a nucleus, and the nucleus stores DNA. DNA is organized into genes, which contain instructions for making proteins or controlling cell activity.

DNA structure

DNA is built from four chemical letters: $A$ , $T$ , $C$ , and $G$ . These letters pair in a specific way: $A$ pairs with $T$ , and $C$ pairs with $G$ . This pairing helps DNA copy itself accurately.

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Why base pairing matters

Because the letters match in a predictable way, cells and scientists can use one DNA strand as a template to make the other strand.

Important words

Chromosome

A long package of DNA and proteins

Nucleus

The cell structure that contains DNA in many organisms

Protein

A molecule that does many jobs in cells

Base pair

Two DNA letters that match, such as

A

with

T

DNA letters and pairing

Letter	Pairs With
A	T
T	A
C	G
G	C

Which molecule stores genetic information?

DNA Salt Water Sugar

What are the four DNA letters?

What does base pairing help DNA do?

Copy accurately Become a protein immediately Turn into a cell wall Stop all mutations forever

Neuroanatomy Explorer

Memory Deck

Match the Pairs

Concept Constellation

DNA, Genes, and Cells

From cells to DNA

Cell basics

DNA structure